England’s women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, have unveiled a seasoned 36‑player roster for the upcoming home leg of the inaugural WXV Global Series. Head coach John Mitchell selected a group that blends seasoned internationals with a few fresh faces, ensuring a mix of experience and potential as the squad prepares for a demanding schedule of test matches across the country.
Captained by the dynamic Megan Jones, the side brings together a staggering total of 1,234 international caps, a testament to the depth of talent and leadership within the group. While the majority of the players have already earned their place on the world stage, three newcomers—Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen—have been handed their first call‑up, marking a significant milestone in their rugby careers.
The first fixture of the home leg will see England face off against Australia at the newly‑renamed CorpAcq Stadium, located on the outskirts of Manchester, on Saturday 12 September. This encounter promises a high‑octane clash between two of the sport’s powerhouses, offering fans an early glimpse of the intensity that will define the series. A week later, the Red Roses will meet Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter, recreating the dramatic showdown of the 2025 World Cup final and providing an opportunity for redemption or reaffirmation of past dominance. Following the England‑Canada duel, the series will culminate in a marquee showdown against New Zealand at the iconic Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September.
Expected to draw more than 50,000 spectators, this match will be a showcase of the sport’s growing popularity in the UK and a fitting climax to the home leg. Coach Mitchell spoke candidly about the preparation phase, noting, “We’ve had a very positive pre‑season in terms of training intensity and the exposure we’ve given our players. The girls have worked hard to strengthen their connections on the field, which makes us a more cohesive unit and raises our standards across the board.” He continued, “Our training has been above the level of the game, with a focus on high‑intensity work.
Now we have the chance to excite both ourselves and the nation with the way we play rugby in three test matches across England.” Mitchell also highlighted the youth of the squad, saying, “This group is only four weeks old; there’s still a lot of potential left in the tank. It’s an exciting period to build momentum and showcase what we can achieve together.” His optimism reflects a broader strategic vision for the Red Roses, who are aiming not only to win matches but also to grow the sport’s profile domestically. The 2026 season marks the debut of the WXV Global Series, a competition designed to bring together the world’s top twelve women’s rugby nations in a stable, three‑year cycle running from 2026 to 2028.
Unlike previous formats, this iteration eliminates promotion and relegation, guaranteeing each nation a fixed place and fostering long‑term rivalries and development pathways. Beyond the home leg, the Red Roses will continue their campaign with a tour of North America in October, taking on Canada and the United States as part of the series itinerary.
These matches will test the squad’s adaptability to different playing conditions and further cement England’s status as a leading force in women’s rugby. The squad list reflects a balanced blend of forwards and backs, each bringing unique strengths to the team.
Among the forwards are stalwarts such as Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Delaney Burns, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Bryony Field, Haidee Head, Lilli Ives‑Campion, Hayley Jones, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui, Alex Matthews, Sophie McQueen, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Demelza Short and Morwenna Talling. These players provide the physical platform, set‑piece expertise, and relentless work rate essential for controlling the middle of the park. In the backline, England boasts a mix of speed, creativity and tactical acumen with players like Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Millie David, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt, captain Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney‑MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Flo Robinson, Helena Rowland, Emma Sing, Mia Venner and Bo Westcombe‑Evans.
Their ability to exploit space, execute precise kicking strategies and finish scoring opportunities will be crucial against the world’s elite defenses. The inclusion of uncapped talent such as Bryony Field, Hayley Jones and Sophie McQueen signals a commitment to nurturing the next generation of Red Roses.
Their integration into a squad laden with World Cup experience offers them a valuable learning environment while injecting fresh energy and perspective. As the Red Roses prepare for their home leg, fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback of match highlights and live streams, ensuring the best possible viewing experience. The series not only promises thrilling rugby action but also serves as a platform to inspire young athletes, promote gender equality in sport, and showcase the growing professionalism of women’s rugby on a global stage. In summary, the Red Roses’ newly announced squad combines a wealth of international experience, emerging talent, and a clear strategic vision from coach John Mitchell.
With a packed schedule that includes high‑profile clashes against Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the team is poised to deliver compelling performances that will captivate audiences and reinforce England’s position at the forefront of women’s rugby worldwide.